Posted on 03/30/2006 11:38:23 PM PST by beaversmom
Tensions over immigration reform heightened in the Phoenix area's East Valley Thursday when students raised a Mexican flag over Apache Junction High School and then other students yanked it down and burned it. "I know (they) shouldn't have burned the Mexican flag," said Jacob Stewart, a 16-year-old sophomore. "I heard it was raised above the American flag and that just irked me."
He said the turbulence was tied to debates going on in the state Legislature and Congress, where ideas ranging from offering illegal immigrants a chance at citizenship to making them felons are being floated.
Freshman Chelsea Garcia, 15, and junior Brittany Ramage, 16, said the unrest had more to do with long-running racial tensions at the school.
The week's events might have sparked some anger, Ramage said, "but kids aren't too deep about that stuff."
The Hispanic student who brought the Mexican flag said he was responding to a remark directed at him Wednesday. The flag-raising, flag-burning, and shoving match that followed happened before most students arrived at school.
Six students three Hispanic and three white will be disciplined, Principal Chad Wilson said.
Officials with the Apache Junction Unified School District would not specify what punishment the six face.
Wilson did say in a letter sent home to parents that there would be "increased supervision, including additional police officers, on the campus over the next couple of days."
School flagpoles have been lightning rods across the country this week, including an incident in which a Houston high-school principal was disciplined after he flew a Mexican flag underneath his campus' U.S. and state flags.
A new political awareness among students has also been grabbing attention, as thousands have walked out on classes to join rallies in Phoenix and elsewhere. More than 100 students from Mesa's Carson Junior High and Westwood High schools marched in protest on Mesa streets Tuesday.
No you didnt but I wouldnt call these illegals stupid. Hey I can see the issue here and why people are upset. The problem I am seeing is not now the whole Mexican American community thinks it being attacked. Now I know that wasnt the original intention but gosh the most ill informed info gets out there and now its hard to tell fact from fiction. For instance no one has given me a clear answer if I in "church work" help some illegals with medical needs if I could be arrested under some of these proposals. I keep hearing two different things. Now I am a person that is pretty well educated and keep up with the news. I cant imagine whats swirling around out their in certain communties. I was hearing that people who are American citizens actually think they are going to get deported.
The whole issue needs to be calmed down a bit. Thats all I am saying.
your welcome
I pray that they don't burn an American flag. I hate when my flag is desecrated.
This thread has too few pictures of our flag. Here is a picture when it was snowing on my submarine when I was in the Navy:
Lol thanks. The Radical muslim thing I am cool with lol
Good job, kids!
Very beautiful. Our flag is the greatest on GOD's green earth.
BTW, what is the Governor's view of all this in California. I been waiting for him to get on TV and start acting like a leader and start calming this down. Esp with the kids. Maybe he is speaking and its not getting national play. If not why not is he on vacation?
and if push came to shove, and we actually had to fight for this country, would that be you, standing on the sidelines, calling for peace? Was that your ancestor during the beginnings of the revolutionary war, quaking in their boots and running away?
Might be fun to watch where you live, but out here it would be down right dangerous. This thing better difuse or it is going to get ugly.
Unfortunately our government and the lobbying powers that seem to make things work these days are the driving force behind all that is happening. It's no wonder that people are getting extreme in their reactions.
In a sane world you shouldn't be prosecuted or persecuted for giving medical attention to another human being that needs it.
But where do you draw the line?
If you are working with (or citing examples of) an organization that is encouraging people to trek across the desert and promising food, water and medical care once they reach their destination illegally, then you are aiding and comforting the enemy in my opinion and I have no sympathy.
I take no pleasure in acts of violence or vandalism (re: the radio towers) but in light of recent events I will not condemn some of the things that are happening and will happen very shortly if our government and the Mexican government do not wake up.
Fighting? Against who? I am assuming what we are seeing is some American kids(I assume most were born here)protesting. A few hispanics that boycotted business and work. Yeah if their was a general invasion force of illegal Mexicans armed and taking over I would fight that. What we are seeing is nothing. I want to make sure it stays nothing thats all. Having a replay of all the racial tension during the 60's is not something I want to happen again
I'm sure you've heard of the OTM category of illegal invaders.
What about those people? What are they doing? Why are they here?
They're not here to work or draw welfare, I guarantee you that.
Well I am hoping those outside this radical fringe thats in the picture start listening. Again maybe he is talking but its gotten no national airplay.
Well you know what assuming gets you.
Not trying to slam you here, but catch up a little on your information sources.
The 'kids' didn't put themselves up to this.
I seriously doubt your statement as to their being Americans. Most LEGAL citizens have pride in their country and would not raise a Mexican Flag over the US Flag.... of course we have a population of 'anchor babies' who might. Their parents 'stole' a place in our community and never embraced becoming a US citizen. No wonder they have nothing but contempt for us. This kind of immigrant has no right to citizenship in this great country whose freedom has been won by those who truly loved it and what it stands for. Their actions in this debate completely disallow them as candidates for citizenship.
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